Ruffed Grouse. 235 
RUFFED GROUSE IN SPRING-TIME. 
Two Males Displaying Their Graces Before a Lone Female. 
movements. In the former dilemma, enamored of so many, 
he is sometimes disposed to be gay and trifling, dallying 
with the affections of some pure, simple-minded female. The 
most cruel flirtations are often indulged in. But when he 
does bring himself earnestly down to the business of choos- 
ing a partner, he does not go about it in an uncertain, hesi- 
tating manner, but makes his selection with promptness and 
dispatch. The successful female, proud of the honor con- 
ferred, at the call of her lord, forsakes the group of her 
unmarried sisters, and follows wheresoever he leadeth. The 
warmest tokens of affection and regard are lavished upon the 
elected bride, and woe to the rival who should appear upon 
the scene while these amours are being enacted. Should 
this event occur, the intruder is instantly assailed, and a 
